Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1545696
THE Planning Authority has reopened applications for a grant scheme aimed at support- ing the restoration and conser- vation of scheduled buildings located outside Urban Conser- vation Areas (UCAs), with €1 million in funding still availa- ble. The scheme, which follows an earlier call issued this year, is intended to assist owners in carrying out conservation works on properties deemed to have historical or architectural value. Eligible applicants may re- ceive up to €100,000 for Grade 1 scheduled buildings and up to €50,000 for Grade 2 proper- ties. In cases of multiple own- ership, each co-owner may be eligible for up to €15,000, while consolidated applications may qualify for the full grant ceiling available under the scheme. The latest call opened on 2 July 2026 and forms part of the Planning Authority's ongoing programme to support the res- toration of Malta and Gozo's built heritage outside designat- ed conservation areas. SMALL IS BEAUTIFUL FRIDAY 3 JULY 2026 • ISSUE 101 • PUBLISHED EVERY FRIDAY gozotoday CONTINUES PAGE 6 €1.00 Personal Loans NEW BOAT? All loans are subject to normal bank lending criteria and final approval from the Bank. The term of the loan must not go beyond re rement age. Issued by Bank of Valle a p.l.c. 58, Triq San Żakkarija, Il-Belt Valle a VLT 1130. Bank of Valle a p.l.c. is regulated by the MFSA and licensed to carry out the business of banking in terms of the Banking Act (Cap. 371 of the Laws of Malta). Compe ve Interest Rates €1m scheme for buildings outside UCAs reopens Victoria Public Library tops Gozo library rankings VICTORIA remained Gozo's busiest public library in 2025, while Nadur recorded its highest-ever number of book loans, cementing its position as the island's second most active library. National Statistics Office (NSO) figures show Victoria registered 33,553 book loans during 2025, ahead of Na- dur on 26,152 and Xewkija on 19,692. Għajnsielem and Xagħra followed with 10,385 and 6,254 loans respectively. LAURA CALLEJA lcalleja@mediatoday.com.mt CONTINUES PAGE 4 The Planning Authority has reopened a €1 million scheme supporting restoration works on scheduled buildings outside UCAs, with applications processed on a first-come, first- served basis The initiative forms part of a €33 million national investment dedicated to the restoration and conservation of heritage buildings and scheduled properties within UCAs, building on earlier schemes and covers homes, commercial premises and non-governmental organisations. (Photo: MIPE)